September 5, 2020
Centenarians are people who have celebrated their 100th birthday. While in the past this accomplishment was very rare, you may be surprised to learn that recent 2019 estimates place approximately 72,000 centenarians in the United States alone!
The youngest of the centenarians today were born just after the end of World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. These longevity legends have their day to shine annually on September 22nd, National Centenarian’s Day! On National Centenarian Day we take the time to recognize the history and experience earned by our elders, and hope to be enriched by their wisdom.
Those who achieved their centenarian-hood this year were born in the 1920s! The 1920s represented an era of change, struggle, and growth. Here is a window into a few memories from 100 years ago:
- Women’s suffrage
- Prohibition
- Beginning of public radio
- Aviation
- Jazz and Flappers
- The Great Depression
Centenarian’s stories of accomplishment and perseverance can aid and compliment what we already know about the world and its history.
By listening to personal histories, we are able to learn of new perspectives not found in history books. We can benefit from every story they tell and every remembrance they share.